WB, Rwanda finalise deal for malnutrition fight

The World Bank and the Rwandan government on Wednesday signed a deal involving a staggering $23 million (approx. Rwf19 billion) that will help in the fight against malnutrition in children under five in at least 13 districts.

The Minister for Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana said during the signing ceremony in Washington that his government had stunting in children and poverty eradication as key priorities in order to keep at bay their long-term consequences on human capital development.

WB Vice President for the African Region Makhtar Diop expressed the bank’s commitment to continue investing in human capital development. Diop extended gratitude to the government of Rwanda for the political will demonstrated in improving the lives of its people through revamping of health systems and implementing health reforms.

“Given its long-term negative effects on human capital development and poverty eradication, stunting is high on the Government of Rwanda’s political and development agenda. We are very grateful to all of you who are contributing to this effort,” observed Ndagijimana.

“I would like to congratulate the Government of Rwanda on setting these ambitious targets and its commitment to fight chronic malnutrition and investing in human capital. The World Bank Group will continue to work with Rwanda to scale up the programme,” said Diop.